Former PM Wanted to Scrap 'Medieval' Pandemic Controls, Inquiry Hears

Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, expressed his desire to eliminate lockdowns and other pandemic control measures during the Covid inquiry. His views were described as "mad" and "self-defeating" by a top civil servant.

Struggles with Decision-Making on Second Lockdown

The inquiry revealed evidence of Mr. Johnson's difficulties in deciding on implementing a second lockdown. He questioned the economic impact of such measures, asking, "What do we really achieve by smashing up the economy if we have no idea how many times we are going to have to do it?"

Controversial Statement and Diary Extracts

A top official claimed that Mr. Johnson stated he would rather "let the bodies pile high" than impose another lockdown. Extracts from top doctor Sir Patrick Vallance's diary described a "very bad meeting" in which both Mr. Johnson and then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak were described as "clutching at straws."

Cabinet Secretary's Scathing Remarks

In private messages, Cabinet Secretary Simon Case expressed his disbelief in the capability of Mr. Johnson's No10 team to govern the country, referring to them as "mad" and "self-defeating."

Controversial Offer to Be Injected with Covid

During the early days of the pandemic, Mr. Johnson reportedly offered to be injected with Covid to demonstrate to the public that it did not pose a threat. His ex-chief of staff, Lord Udny-Lister, dismissed this comment as "unfortunate."

The Covid inquiry continues.